Kessmade pet carrier systems

ABSTRACT

A pet carrier comprising a cage-like enclosure having a top and a bottom, a front end and a rear end, a first side and a second side, a handle, four wheels, and a door. The upper half of the first side and of the second side of the cage-like enclosure comprises window-like ventilation openings which are covered by mesh and the door is receiveable within the rear end and comprises a locking mechanism. The handle is attached to the top of the cage-like enclosure. Two of the four wheels are attached to the bottom near the front end and two of the four wheels are attached to the bottom near the rear end of the cage-like enclosure. The cage-like enclosure simulates a vehicle-form such as for example a school bus or a fire truck.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from priorprovisional application Ser. No. 61/316,506, filed Mar. 23, 2010 whichapplication is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understandingthe present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of theinformation provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presentlydescribed or claimed inventions, or that any publication or documentthat is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of pet products andmore specifically relates to a pet carrier for transporting smallanimals.

2. Description of the Related Art

Animals make great companions, offer health benefits to their owner, andcan be a source of enduring affection. More Americans own pets than everbefore, and they're spending more money to keep them healthy and happyand are always looking for new and unique products to add to theircollection. Many Americans enjoy the company of their pet while they aretravelling and usually use pet carriers to safely transport their pets.Pet carriers are also needed to transport pets to the veterinarian or tokeep the pet safe while it is in a public place.

Unfortunately, most pet carriers are generically shaped and mundanelycolored. They usually have a rectangular shape with a door with vents atthe front and come in colors such as grey or beige. While variousaccessories for pets such as collars or pet beds come in cheerful, funcolors and shapes, pet carriers all look very similar and resemble eachother. Therefore a need exists for a more unique and colorful petcarrier which promotes fun while travelling with your pet ortransporting a pet and which contributes to the joyful experience ofhaving your pet with you while travelling.

Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problemssuch as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. D308,429; D574,559; and 5,193,486.This prior art is representative of pet products. None of the aboveinventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seento describe the invention as claimed.

Ideally, a pet carrier for transporting small animals should require nomaintenance, be easy to clean, have a pleasing appearance and, yet,would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, aneed exists for a reliable pet carrier system to make it fun totransport a pet and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known pet carrierfor transporting small animals art, the present invention provides anovel pet carrier system. The general purpose of the present invention,which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide areliable pet carrier system which makes it fun to transport a pet.

A pet carrier is disclosed herein comprising a cage-like enclosure whichsimulates the general shape of a vehicle having a top and a bottom, afront end and a rear end, a first side and a second side, a handle, fourwheels, and a door.

The upper half of the first side and of the second side of the cage-likeenclosure comprises window-like ventilation openings which are coveredby mesh made of steel. The swingably hinged door which comprisesrear-ventilation-openings which are covered by a steel mesh-grid isreceivable within the rear end and comprises a locking mechanism. Thehandle is attached to the top of the cage-like enclosure. Two of thefour functionally rotatable wheels are attached to the bottom near thefront end while the other two of the four functionally rotatable wheelsare attached to the bottom near the rear end of the cage-like enclosure.The cage-like enclosure simulates a vehicle-form, such as for examplethe form, color and insignia of a school bus.

A kit is also described herein including at least one cage-likeenclosure, at least one handle, at least four wheels, at least one door,and a user instruction manual.

A method of monetizing a pet carrier is also disclosed herein comprisingthe steps of: manufacturing a pet carrier which simulates a vehicleform, insignia and color; distributing for sale the pet carrier to petshelters, pet adoption centers and pet stores; and offering a user whois in the process of adopting a pet the pet carrier for a reduced priceto create at least one monetization for the creator of the pet carrier,and/or at least one wholesaler and/or at least one retailer.

Further, a method for using a pet carrier is disclosed herein comprisingthe steps of: placing a pet in a cage-like enclosure comprising thegeneral form of a vehicle; closing a door of the cage-like enclosurecomprising the general form of a vehicle; transporting the pet in thecage-like enclosure comprising the general form of a vehicle; openingthe door of the cage-like enclosure comprising the general form of avehicle; and taking the animal out of the cage-like enclosure comprisingthe general form of a vehicle.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a petcarrier system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certainaspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have beendescribed herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all suchadvantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particularembodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied orcarried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage orgroup of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otheradvantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of theinvention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed outand distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification.These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specificationillustrate embodiments for the present invention, Kessmade Pet CarrierSystems, constructed and operative according to the teachings of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a pet carrier in an in-usecondition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the pet carrier according toan embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the pet carrier according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the pet carrier according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter bedescribed in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein likedesignations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a petproduct device and more particularly to a pet carrier used to transportsmall animals.

Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown inFIG. 1, a perspective view illustrating pet carrier 110 in ‘in-use’condition 280 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Pet carrier 110 preferably comprises cage-like enclosure 120 having top130 and bottom 140, front end 150 and rear end 160, first side 170 andsecond side 180, handle 190, four wheels 200, and door 210.

Cage-like enclosure 120 comprises top 130 and bottom 140, front end 150and rear end 160, first side 170 and second side 180. Cage-likeenclosure 120 is preferably formed as a single piece construction andpreferably measures 24 inches in length, xx inches in width, and 22inches in height. However, pet carrier 110 may be produced in a varietyof sizes to accommodate dogs, cats or other animals of varying sizes andbreeds. Cage-like enclosure 120 may preferably be manufactured fromcolored sturdy plastic. Alternatively, cage-like enclosure 120 maycomprise canvas or nylon secured to a metal frame.

The exterior of cage-like enclosure 120 may be formed to resemble theexterior of various types of motor vehicles, such as a car, a sportscar, a school bus, a fire truck, a construction truck or a police car.Front end 150 may preferably be shaped in such a way as to resemble thefront of a motor vehicle and may comprise a miniature plastic bumper,plastic front lights and a plastic grille. Front end 150 may furthercomprise front-window-like ventilation openings 250 which may preferablybe covered by mesh 240 made of steel. The exterior of cage-likeenclosure 120 may further comprise the color and insignia of aparticular vehicle. For example, the exterior of cage-like enclosure 120may comprise yellow plastic material, resemble the shape of a school busand comprise black stripes and other school-bus-typical insignia whichmay be printed on front end 150, first side 170, and second side 180 soas to simulate the appearance of a school bus.

Upper half 220 of first side 170 and of second side 180 of cage-likeenclosure 120 preferably comprises window-like ventilation openings 230.Window-like ventilation openings 230 are shaped in the form of thewindows of a simulated vehicle. For example, if the pet carrier 110comprises the general shape and insignia of a school bus, window-likeventilation openings 230 preferably comprise a square shape so as toreflect the shape of the windows of a real full-sized school bus.Window-like ventilation openings 230 are preferably covered by mesh 240which preferably comprises steel. However, mesh 240 may comprise anykind of durable and suitable material such as ferrous or non-ferrousmaterial.

As previously mentioned, pet carrier 110 preferably comprises handle 190which is attached to top 130 of cage-like enclosure 120 so that user 290may grasp handle 190 to lift and transport pet carrier 110 and anenclosed pet thereby creating ‘in-use’ condition 280. Handle 190 mayalternatively comprise an extended handle which is pivotally connectedto front end 150 of cage-like enclosure 120 so that user 290 may pullpet carrier 110.

Pet carrier 110 comprises four wheels 200. Two of the four wheels 200are attached to bottom 140 near front end 150 and two of the four wheels200 are attached to bottom 140 near rear end 160 of cage-like enclosure120. The four wheels 200 extend downward from bottom 140 of cage-likeenclosure 120 so that when pet carrier 110 is stationary, pet carrier110 may rest on the four wheels 200. The four wheels 200 are preferablymade of rubber and are functionally rotatable so that user 290 may pullpet carrier 110. However, it should be noted that four wheels 200 mayonly be for decoration and may not be functionally rotatable in certainembodiments.

Pet carrier 110 further comprises door 210 which is receivable within anopening of rear end 160 and is movably connected to rear end 160 viahinges which are attached to one side of door 210 and to rear end 160 sothat door 210 may be opened and closed in a pivoting swing motion. Door210 further comprises a locking mechanism so as to lock a pet securelyinside cage-like enclosure 120. Door 210 preferably comprisesrear-ventilation-openings 260 made of mesh-grid 270 comprising steel.However, mesh-grid 270 may comprise any kind of durable and suitablematerial such as plastic or non-ferrous material.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view illustrating the pet carrier110 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As previously mentioned, the exterior of the cage-like enclosure 120 maybe formed to resemble the exterior of various types of motor vehicles,such as a car, a sports car, a school bus, a fire truck, a constructiontruck or a police car. FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view illustratingthe pet carrier 110 formed in the general shape of a school bus whereinfour wheels 200 resemble the wheels of a school bus, front window-likeventilation openings 250 resemble the windshield of a school bus and thewindow-like ventilation openings 230 resemble the side windows of aschool bus. The cage-like enclosure 120 comprises yellow plasticmaterial and is decorated with black stripes.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view illustrating the pet carrier110 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view illustrating pet carrier 110 formed inthe general shape of a fire truck wherein four wheels 200 resemble thewheels of a fire truck, front window-like ventilation openings 250resemble the windshield of a fire truck and window-like ventilationopenings 230 resemble the side windows of a fire truck. Cage-likeenclosure 120 comprises red plastic material and is decorated withinsignia typically found on fire trucks.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a perspective view illustrating the pet carrier110 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view illustrating pet carrier 110 formed inthe general shape of a car wherein four wheels 200 resemble the wheelsof a car, front window-like ventilation openings 250 resemble thewindshield of a car and the window-like ventilation openings 230resemble the side windows of a car. Cage-like enclosure 120 comprisescolored plastic material.

Kessmade Pet Carrier Systems 100 may be sold as kit 400 comprising thefollowing parts: at least one cage-like enclosure 120, at least onehandle 190, at least four wheels 200, at least one door 210, and atleast one user instruction manual.

Kessmade Pet Carrier Systems 100 may be manufactured and provided forsale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment ofapplications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciatedthat, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as designpreference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structuralrequirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., otherkit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more orless components, customized parts, different color combinations, partsmay be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient.

A method of monetizing a pet carrier 110 may comprise the steps of: stepone manufacturing pet carrier 110 which simulates a vehicle form,insignia and color; step two distributing for sale the pet carrier 110to pet shelters, pet adoption centers and pet stores; and step threeoffering user 290 who is in the process of adopting a pet pet carrier110 for a reduced price to create at least one monetization for thecreator of pet carrier 110, and/or at least one wholesaler and/or atleast one retailer.

A method for using a pet carrier is disclosed herein comprising thesteps of: placing a pet in cage-like enclosure 120 comprising thegeneral form of a vehicle; closing a door 210 of the cage-like enclosure120 comprising the general form of a vehicle; transporting the pet inthe cage-like enclosure 120 comprising the general form of a vehicle;opening the door 210 of the cage-like enclosure 120 comprising thegeneral form of a vehicle; and taking the animal out of the cage-likeenclosure 120 comprising the general form of a vehicle.

It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can becarried out in many different orders according to user preference. Uponreading this specification, it should be appreciated that, underappropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference,user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements,available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of usearrangements such as, for example, different orders withinabove-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps,including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may besufficient.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary andnumerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readilyenvisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which areintended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention.Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially thescientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiarwith patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from acursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure ofthe application.

1. A pet carrier comprising: a cage-like enclosure having a top and abottom, a front end and a rear end, a first side and a second side; ahandle; four wheels; and a door; wherein an upper half of said firstside and of said second side of said cage-like enclosure compriseswindow-like ventilation openings which are covered by mesh; wherein saidfront end comprises front-window-like ventilation openings which arecovered by mesh; wherein said door is receivable within said rear endand comprises a locking mechanism; wherein said handle is attached tosaid top of said cage-like enclosure; wherein two of said four wheelsare attached to said bottom near said front end and two of said fourwheels are attached to said bottom near said rear end; and wherein saidcage-like enclosure simulates a vehicle-form.
 2. The pet carrier ofclaim 1 wherein said cage-like enclosure comprises a simulated car-form.3. The pet carrier of claim 1 wherein said cage-like enclosure comprisesa simulated sports car-form and insignia.
 4. The pet carrier of claim 1wherein said cage-like enclosure comprises a simulated school bus form,color, and insignia.
 5. The pet carrier of claim 1 wherein saidcage-like enclosure comprises a simulated fire truck form, color, andinsignia.
 6. The pet carrier of claim 1 wherein said cage-like enclosurecomprises a simulated construction truck form, color, and insignia. 7.The pet carrier of claim 1 wherein said cage-like enclosure comprises asimulated police car form, color, and insignia.
 8. The pet carrier ofclaim 1 wherein said cage-like enclosure comprises colored plastic. 9.The pet carrier of claim 1 wherein said cage-like enclosure comprisescanvas secured to a metal frame.
 10. The pet carrier of claim 1 whereinsaid door comprises rear-ventilation-openings.
 11. The pet carrier ofclaim 10 wherein said rear-ventilation-openings comprise a mesh-gridcomprising steel.
 12. The pet carrier of claim 10 wherein saidrear-ventilation-openings comprise a mesh-grid comprising non-ferrousmaterial.
 13. The pet carrier of claim 1 wherein said mesh of saidwindow-like ventilation openings and said front-window-like ventilationopenings comprises steel.
 14. The pet carrier of claim 1 wherein saidmesh of said window-like ventilation openings and of saidfront-window-like ventilation openings comprises non-ferrous material.15. The pet carrier of claim 1 wherein said four wheels are functionallyrotatable.
 16. The pet carrier of claim 1 wherein said door is swingablyhinged.
 17. A pet carrier comprising: a cage-like enclosure comprisingcolored plastic and having a top and a bottom, a front end and a rearend, a first side and a second side; a handle; four wheels which arefunctionally rotatable; and a swingably hinged door withrear-ventilation-openings; wherein an upper half of said first side andof said second side of said cage-like enclosure comprises window-likeventilation openings which are covered by mesh comprising steel; whereinsaid front end comprises front-window-like ventilation openings whichare covered by mesh comprising steel; wherein said swingably hinged doorwhich comprises rear-ventilation-openings which are covered by amesh-grid comprising steel is receivable within said rear end andcomprises a locking mechanism; wherein said handle is attached to saidtop of said cage-like enclosure; wherein two of said four functionallyrotatable wheels are attached to said bottom near said front end and twoof said four functionally rotatable wheels are attached to said bottomnear said rear end; and wherein said cage-like enclosure simulates avehicle-form.
 18. The pet carrier of claim 17 wherein said pet carrierfurther comprises a kit including said at least one cage-like enclosure,said at least one handle, said at least four wheels, said at least onedoor, and a user instruction manual.
 19. A method of monetizing a petcarrier comprising the steps of: manufacturing a pet carrier whichsimulates a vehicle form, insignia and color; distributing for sale saidpet carrier to pet shelters, pet adoption centers and pet stores; andoffering a user who is in the process of adopting a pet said pet carrierfor a reduced price to create at least one monetization for the creatorof said pet carrier, and/or at least one wholesaler and/or at least oneretailer.